Electrical Engineering Review

We change sections every 6 - 8 weeks as part of our rotation plan. The work on each section ranges from stripping components off the engine, visually inspecting and cleaning parts, repairing electrical harnesses, performing electrical tests on parts and putting the parts back onto the engine. As apprentices, we log our work in our NVQ folder.

Yes. As well as using a variety of tools, I have had access to testing equipment that I had not previously used. The techniques used to repair harnesses were new to me. I have developed a much better understanding of turbofan engines as a result of working for GE Aviation.

I enjoy the apprenticeship programme very much. I have had great learning opportunities and a varied work experience. The day shift allows me to have more time at home in the evenings which I am grateful for - although the shifts could change soon. I am happy with the benefits that GE offer.

Overall, I think this apprenticeship is well structured. First year is full time in the college making it easy to focus of the work. Second year is a day release to the college. It's a long 11 hour day and it can be difficult to keep motivated for that length of time. I think splitting the college time over 2 days would be more beneficial and result in a better learning experience.

Overall, the support from GE is great. There are always people around you to help solve any problems you are facing with the work. However, payroll, benefits and HR have been outsourced to 3rd party companies. It can be VERY tedious and draining trying to resolve these kinds of issues.

Overall, the support from college lecturers is great. Most are enthusiastic and are willing to provide all the help you need. As with everything, some are not so motivated and provide the bare minimum in terms of motivation and support. Even so, there is always someone to help even if it's not the lecturer.

I'd like to start by saying that the qualification teaches us valuable electrical engineering principles and is at the very least interesting. In terms of relevance to the work done in GE, very little is useful. I am in the second year of my apprenticeship and we have not yet touched on anything 'aircraft'. Quite disappointing really.

Yes. GE are always promoting activities to get involved with. Currently, the three peaks challenge is being heavily promoted. World Skills is another extra-curricular event that runs most years for apprentices. We get the opportunity to complete complex tasks as individuals or as a group against other engineers in the UK and worldwide. We get fantastic training for this event.

Yes

GE offer competitive wages, varied work and great benefits. There are support channels for almost everything. There are opportunities to progress into management roles if that's what you're interested in. There are plenty of social events to involved with. The only drawback for me is the current shift pattern for permanent staff. Most weekends are lost and the shifts are 12 hours long.

Learn the very basics of how a turbofan jet engine works. Have a basic understanding of how airlines try to increase efficiency of their aircraft. Learn how to properly read and follow written instructions - 99% of the work you do will be doing exactly what is written in the manual and so learning how to accurately interpret written instructions is important.